I see a lot of people out there finding Mama Uzaki attractive. That said, you will like this one.

Enjoy.

~~~~~

After Hana stopped by at work, the night went smoothly. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. You and Jess haven't talked in a bit so in your mind the fling was over with. Relax as you see fit, study time peacefully, and heck even have Halo the cat sit in your lap as you game. Not too bad at the moment. Sure a lecture might suck a little of the energy away, but not all that bad.

You head into the café early on a weekday. No classes this morning and starting it off right before you do a few small things before an afternoon lecture. You are greeting by Ami and sit at the counter. A few people in today as Boss greeted you with a usual cup of joe. It was full of this great aroma. The happy people sitting down made it even better.

"Thanks Boss. How's everything?" You asked.

"We shall see. Short handed today."

"Really? What's up?"

"Hana is out sick. Apparently has a cold."

"Hm. Alright." You take a sip and think about her. Thinking about her making you coffee and smiling as she took orders from customers. "It's different without her around. I can feel it now."

"I wonder how she got a cold. Perhaps the rain." Muttered Boss as he was cleaning mugs and cleaning his work station. 

"Maybe I should give her a call." You get your phone out and dial her.

Of course Ami with her sharp senses heard all of this. She was eager with excitement. All she could do is wink at her father and made a waving, circular motion with hand telling him to proceed with it. 

< Hello? >

"Hana it's (FN). How are ya?"

She coughed. < Senpai. Bedridden. > Hana mumbled.

"You don't sound like yourself at all. Want some orange juice and a manga or something? I actually dropped by the café and Boss said you were under the weather."

< I am. Sorry. >

"No need. So what can I do for you? I'm offering. Not taking no for an answer either."

< Uhhh, vapor rub and ginger ale? I have enough juice to fill a bathtub. >

"Damn. Got to see that carton mountain of juice. When I finish my coffee I'll head to the store. Will you text me the address and I'll go from there?"

< Okay. Thank you Senpai. >

"It's (FN) there Hana. Come on. What do I look like?"

< My senior? >

"And?"

< Well... a friend? >

"Close at that. I'll be off in a few minutes. Took two sips of this cup. By for now."

< Bye Se- (FN). >

*Click*

You put your phone back in your pocket and take another sip of coffee. Boss looks over and Ami heads to the counter. "Apparently she has enough orange juice to fill up a bathtub. Her exact words. By she said vapor rub and ginger ale. She asked so I'm gonna give it to her."

The two were stunned by that last statement. Someone with select hearing could easily be very concerned by that statement. Your delivery on how casually and enthusiastically it was said made them question your motives.

Perhaps we were right.

He just might have the hots for her. So romantic. 

"So, I take it her place isn't too far from here? Even better. Less travel time with bags in my hand. What the heck. Even more of a reason to do it."

Ami looked over with a smirk. He seems excited to see Hana. Even though she's sick a little environmental comfort is quite nice. I can't wait to hear this from her when she comes back healthy. Just might be a romantic story to hear. The way he presents himself, handing her meds, and sitting at her side while she dwindles in bed. How lovely. He's a passionate guy. Wonder why that other girl passed on him. 

~~~~~

You knock on the door and take a step back. Hoping that someone was going to answer the door. But it didn't process in your head on exactly who would open it. Her, a parent, a sibling, or whoever else it may be. In your head it didn't matter.

The door opened. "Hello? May I help you?" A one glance anyone can see this is related to Uzaki. Most likely her mother. Same color hair but longer. And chest size is the same. Though you did your best to try not to look.

You bowed. "My name is (FN). Hana asked me to stop over to drop some stuff off for her."

"That's awfully nice of you. Are you her friend or..."

"Yeah. I guess you can say Senpai #2. Sakurai and I are friends. I call him Shin. I know he's rough around the edges but he loves cats and soft jazz. His eyes say different. I get that a lot."

"Ohhh, please, come in." She smiled and let you inside. "You can just put those on the table right in the front."

"Thank you." You walk in and put the bags down. "So yes, I was on the swim team as well. I didn't spend that much time with her because of an injury at the time."

"That bad?" She pondered.

"I had a big tear. Had to get surgery. But no hard feelings. I did my best and still love the water. There isn't anything dwelling me like some."

"My, you're so positive."

"Kinda have to be. And with Hana around it's almost impossible not to be. She's just so bubbly. Think about it. She mellows Shin out. Makes my day bright after a crap girlfriend interest and I didn't work out. It's just who she is."

"I'm glad you think that way." Then she seemed nervous. "She doesn't, spend the night right?..."

"No. Nothing like that. She's been over but its just me and my cat Halo. Though in emergencies my place is open of course. Or I would step up and help get them home. Whichever."

Hana came walking through the hallway. She was wearing pajama pants and a hoodie that was too big for her. Looking over she saw you. "(FN)?"

You see her and smile. "Hey Hana. Out and about?"

"Bathroom is all. This is my mother. Have you seen the cats yet?"

"Haven't met the two of them yet. I was just stopping in to say hi. And is that sweatshirt Shin's. That is way too big for you."

"No, it's mine. I wanted it loss around the chest for when I sleep. So the sleeves are a little big. That's all it is." Her eyes were bright as they usual are. Her face is rather modest than cheery. 

"You poor thing." You turn back to her mother. "When she describes a mountain of juice what is her actually trying to say?"

"I got about five liters in the house."

"I see. I asked but you were way ahead of me. She asked for ginger ale. I wonder why."

Her mother looked at Hana. "Are you getting rest and talking your medicine? You better be in bed. Around lunch I will have soup ready. Just a cough and chills correct?"

"Yeah." Hana coughed. "Thank you (FN). For taking the time out of your morning."

"I got a mellow day. My pleasure. If you need anything else just let me know alright? Just get better. It's not the same when you're here and not feeling well. When it came to me I called you right away. Boss and Ami said to take your time."

"And Senpai?" Pondered Hana.

"Haven't seen him yet. But he'll be doing fine. I'll invite him over and put Halo in his lap. He will be good care. Don't worry." You smile at her.

"Alright. Thank you. I'm going to rest." Hana waved and went to her room. 

You turned to her mother. "Thank you for having me. I will let myself out." You bow to pay your respects and get on your way. Leaving the Uzaki establishment and heading on your way. Catch up on assignments and then think lunch. Today is a good day.

Though on your way out Mama Uzaki was thinking to herself. With this woman her own mind is her own enemy. Overthinking is a killer to many. Especially her. I wonder if that boy is single or not. He's so nice. Is he eyeing her? She didn't mention another man she was spending her time with. Very approachable and upbeat. I got to talk to her when she comes out for lunch. She has details to give me.

~~~~~

Have to admit, Mama Uzaki is precious. I'd wife her. Why not?

-Rel